Charities: Political Activities

Mr. Maude
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether the Government’s proposals for reform of charity legislation will allow charities to be set up and run (a) exclusively and (b) mainly for (i) political and (ii) campaigning purposes.

Phil Hope
To qualify as a charity in England and Wales, an organisation must be established for exclusively charitable purposes which are for the public benefit. The activities of a charity can include campaigning and political activities provided they are likely to further or support the charity’s charitable purposes.

The Charities Act 2006 represents an important reform of the legal and regulatory framework for charities, and there are currently no plans for further legislation to reform charity law.

Mr. Maude
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether the Government’s proposals on charities engaging in political campaigning will apply to student unions.

Phil Hope
Most students’ unions are charities, and like other charities they must comply with charity law, including the rules on engaging in political campaigning. The Charity Commission and what was then the Department for Education and Skills have published guidance for students’ unions, which includes details on campaigning and political activity.